Surrounded by Swallows - BERL101

This imposing maison-de-maitre dates back to 1874. The house has been lovingly restored over the years, and provides comfortable home-from-home accommodation, with a mixture of contemporary and antique furniture and two beautiful terraces faces the vineyards, for sitting out and dining.

The old house has the charm of the past, spacious light-filled rooms and modern conveniences. It stands on the edge of the picturesque wine-making village of Berlou, providing both privacy and access to village facilities, which include tennis courts and wine shop (the local Cave Cooperative produces some of the best wines in the area). Next to the house, there is a large garden with trees, a lawn, and a swimming pool with a terrace for sunbathing.

If you like your French holiday home to be chic and individual rather than sleek and perfect, then this house is for you to enjoy.

The pool was retiled a couple of years ago and now claims to be one of the prettiest in the whole of Languedoc-Roussillon!

An upcycled Poggenpohl kitchen has recently been installed, with modern AEG appliances. The kitchen is large and open plan, situated on the raised ground floor, with a table for 8, and sofas for an after-dinner digestif. Or enjoy a glass of eau de vie in the adjacent salon-library, with 2 further sofas, 2 armchairs and a coffee-table. Large doors open onto a spacious terrace with outside table and chairs.

Next to the salon, on the same floor, there's a double bedroom with an adjacent bathroom (toilet and shower).

A curved staircase with cast-iron railings leads to the 1st floor, with a bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and 2 further bedrooms with a spacious shared bathroom.

The house has a large terraced garden with rows of lavender and fruit trees, and a large swimming pool (10m x 5m x 1.5m deepest) with a terrace with sunbeds, table, and chairs. You can step out of the house and go cycling or hiking in the hills. There are numerous hiking tracks on the doorstep, and the views will blow your mind!

There is a gastronomic restaurant in the village, as well as a cafe where you can get bread and croissants, have a coffee or a beer, or a simple meal. The village of Berlou, one of the best producers of St Chinian Appellation Contrôlée, is renowned for its excellent wines. Staying in Berlou, you are guaranteed that your French holiday will be as authentic as can be.